Angela is the Founder and Executive Director of Upcycle Arts. Angela is constantly creating, whether it’s baking, sewing costumes, stilt walking, or circus aerial. She is so excited to bring the world of creative reuse to Charlotte. She has a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University and spent four years in the military at Fort Bragg, NC.

Rachel, originally from Greenville, SC, has proudly called Charlotte home for over 25 years. She's passionate about creativity, including sewing, drawing, painting, and recreating. Her shopping adventures, particularly for the perfect pair of Mary Janes (any color, stacked heel), fuel her inspiration as a graphic designer. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from the Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD). Married with two budding artist daughters, creativity runs deep in her family.

Christine is the Planner and Forecasting Manager at Bella Tunno, bringing decades of merchandising and strategic planning expertise to the table. Her career includes roles in buying, planning, and store management at major retailers such as Guess Jeans, Sears, and Federated Department Stores. A proud Michigan State University graduate with a BA in Business, Christine combines corporate insight with a passion for purpose-driven retail, and she is now excited to channel her experience into supporting creative reuse in Charlotte.

Adrianne is a dedicated educator originally from Decatur, Georgia. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and has taught 3rd through 5th grade in five different states. Adrianne currently serves with a nonprofit organization that provides free math tutoring to students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), ensuring equitable access to academic support for families.

In addition to her professional work, Adrianne is an avid crafter, with sewing as her current passion. She is married and the proud parent of three children and is now enjoying the experience of an empty nest as her children pursue their own paths.

Emily Pearce is a children’s author and artist with a background in professional fundraising, primarily in prospect research. She is passionate about crafting and sustainability and loves to sew in her spare time.

Annika Wreder is the Operations & Finance Director at The Bulb. After working in corporate finance, she pivoted to the nonprofit world in pursuit of deeper impact. Annika holds degrees in Finance and Physics from the University of Florida and an MS in Business & Management from the Stockholm School of Economics. She’s passionate about using finance as a tool for mission-driven work, building intentional processes, and supporting creative, circular solutions to community needs. When she’s not spreadsheeting or strategizing, she’s usually hanging out with her partner and their Sheepadoodle sidekick, Appa.

Sarah, our Store Manager, is an avid sewist who has been practicing her craft for as long as she can remember. Though she has dabbled in almost every craft you can imagine, something about sewing keeps drawing her back in. From Upcycling old clothes to save money, to creating elaborate costumes from thrifted curtains, second-hand materials have always been an integral part of her work. She is always excited to share her sewing and crafting knowledge with anyone who will listen!

Brache [bruh-shay], born & raised in the Circle City (Indianapolis), is now making her way as a “creaducator” in the Queen City. Through her blog & zines, she hopes to inspire people of their civic duty: live, laugh, love, and document that experience on paper. 

Heidi Baggott is a mixed media artist who creates with found objects, reclaimed textiles, and discarded materials. Her art journey began over a decade ago in Singapore, during a major turning point in her life when she stopped drinking and turned to creativity as a source of therapy and renewal.

As her healing deepened, so did her sound healing practice. In 2019, Heidi became a sound bath practitioner. Heidi works without set patterns and aims to use every possible part of a material, creating with minimal waste and maximum intention.